FANTASY FOR EMERGING READERS: Each book in the Legendary Allies series is told from the perspective of a different team member, offering an easy-to-read, emotionally rich experience. HEAVILY ILLUSTRATED FORMAT: FULL-COLOR illustrations throughout, including a detailed map at the start, immersive world-building visuals, and fantastical elements that enhance the reader experience and support newly independent readers. VIETNAMESE CULTURE: Drawing from Vietnamese mythology and language, the series continues to explore the magical land of Van Lang, where legendary ally animals (Phoenix, Lan, Turtle, Dragon) guide children on quests to restore harmony. RELEVANT THEMES: This installment explores food insecurity, climate-related challenges, and the importance of working together to help one's community, while still weaving in spirituality and supernatural elements naturally into daily life. SEL CONNECTIONS: Themes of empathy, collaboration, and believing in oneself support social-emotional learning and spark important classroom conversations. SERIES SCHEDULE: Book 2 of a planned four-book arc (Book 1: Winter/Spring 2026; Book 2: Fall 2026; Book 3: Winter/Spring 2027; Book 4: Fall 2027), with ongoing character development and escalating quests! PRAISE POURS IN FOR THE SERIES: "A lively, culturally grounded adventure likely to hook fantasy fans." - Kirkus Reviews FOR FANS OF: The Star Friends series and The Nguyen Kids series SWEET SPOT READER RECOMMENDATION: 8-9 years LEVELING INFO: Coming soon

The Nguyen kids are going on vacation! It's their first time in Vietnam and staying in Grandma Ni's childhood home, so they should be excited. As soon as they enter the house, though, something doesn't feel right. Why is the door to the ancestors' room always closed? And why can't they connect with Grandma Ni using their gifts, the way they can at home?The Nguyen kids are back for the fourth book, this one told in alternating perspectives, in this charming early chapter book series. An exploration of Vietnamese culture and identity through the eyes of the Nguyen siblings, with elements of the supernatural, spirituality, and social justice woven in, The Nguyen Kids "should be considered for all chapter book collections" (School Library Journal, review of Book #1).The Secret of the Jade Bangle, book #1 awards: New England Independent Booksellers Association Windows & Mirrors List pick, a New York Public Library Best Books for Kids 2022, a nominee for The Outstanding Works of Literature Award nominee, BookPal 2022!

The third book in the early chapter book series The Nguyen Kids features the youngest sibling, Jacob, and continues the series' exploration of social justice themes, specifically gender expression and identity, with a supernatural twist.BOOK 3: THE MYSTERY OF THE PAINTED FAN Excerpt:When I shut the door, I hold my painted fan. I breathe in and out. I wonder . . . will Grandma Ni help me?Thoughtful and creative, Jacob is tired of being the baby of the family. He is ready to fully express himself in all of the ways that feel right to him, but not everyone seems as eager to accept changeeven his own parents. He still loves hockey, yet he also wants to try something new, even if others may not understand. Confused and frustrated, Jacob turns to the beautiful fan his Grandma Ni gave him, which features all of the Vietnamese zodiac animals. With the mysterious fan and memories of Grandma guiding him, Jacob finds the power to remain true to himself, and show his family who he could be.

Engaging and empowering. STARRED review, Nonstop ReaderA charming early chapter book series that explores Vietnamese culture and identity through the eyes of the Nguyen siblings, with elements of the supernatural, spirituality, and social justice woven in. Organized and introspective nine-year-old Anne Nguyen misses her Grandma Ni, a lot. But even though Grandma Ni passed away, it doesn't mean she's disappeared.When Anne and her younger siblings Jacob and Liz are given gifts passed on to them by Grandma, Anne soon realizes that hersa beautiful jade banglehas a secret power. One that might just give her the strength to stand up to her ballet teacher, who treats her differently than her white classmates, and embrace her Vietnamese identity through cooking Grandma's recipes. No matter how difficult things get, Anne learns that the love of her ancestors is always with her.